Disability Rights Ohio hosts annual Duck Derby fundraiser

Members of the Marietta High School Crew Team row to the Broughton House dock after the Duck Derby Wednesday. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Disability Rights Ohio hosted its third annual Duck Derby fundraiser on the Muskingum River Wednesday in Marietta.
The organization, along with the assistance of the Marietta High School Crew Team, released plastic toy ducks in the water. Each duck was numbered and corresponded to a $5 donation made to DRO.
The event was livestreamed through DRO’s Facebook page for community participation. Developments and Grants Manager Lyndsey Brown monitored the stream and engaged with the participants.
“It’s a fun event to get the community out and engage with us,” Brown said.
“We have 500 ducks this year,” Ross Musick, communications manager said. “Our previous record was last year with 370.”

Front to back, Marietta High School Crew Team members Becker VanDyk, Nolan Parman, and coach Joe Tewkesbury return to the Broughton House dock after the Duck Derby Wednesday. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Musick also credited last minute donors for the amount of ducks in the race.
“I think we have more ducks sponsored today than any other day during the period they were available,” he said.
Musick said the DRO is mostly funded by federal grants, but that comes with specifications.
“(Federal grants) provide for specific work. If we want to expand our area or grow our reach, we have to come up with that funding,” he said.
The ducks were launched from the boats and floated approximately 60 yards down the river past the Putnam Street Bridge.

From left, Coach Joe Tewesbury and Nolan Parman dock their boat while Disability Rights Ohio Development and Grants Manager Lyndsey Brown (center) and Becker VanDyk (right) gather up the plastic ducks. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Lisa Bammerlin won first place with $500, Kelly Byrne won second place with $100 and a duck derby-themed t-shirt, and Susan Koller won third place. She will receive a t-shirt and coffee mug.
Once the race concluded, the crew team helped officials retrieve the ducks from the river.
“It’s a good cause,” girl’s crew coach Joe Tewkesbury said. “We try to give back where we can.”
DRO Board of Directors President Bill Bauer said while he was a principal at Ewing School in Marietta, he suggested the school hold a duck derby as a fundraiser. He said it was a success. He suggested the idea to DRO to reach Ohioans with disabilities.
“It allows rural communities such as Marietta to know about our services,” he said. “We are here to provide services for people with disabilities and mental health conditions.”

Disability Rights Ohio Board of Directors President Bill Bauer holds the three winning ducks after the race Wednesday. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)